Obituary of Shirley Brening (Johnson)

Shirley Marie Brening, age 95, passed away peacefully at her daughters home on Monday, January 24, 2022, just shy of her 96th birthday.

Shirley was born in Cass County, MN on April 17, 1926 to Charles and Gladys Johnson. She grew up on the family farm with her brother Ben and many extended family members. Shirley loved school. Her love of reading began at a young age and continued throughout her adult life. Though life was not easy growing up, the life lessons she learned formed her into the wonderful woman we knew and loved. Through need in the era she was raised, she became an avid gardener and an excellent seamstress and truly loved both. You could also find her sitting at the piano playing and singing to anyone or no one at all. It was something that made her and those around her happy.

In her early adult years, Shirley made the move to the twin cities. She married the love of her life, Fred Brening. They were partners in love, family and business for 66 years. Shirley was the voice and organizer for George W. Brening and sons, while Fred was the face of the operation. One could not have been successful without the other. While living in Fred’s parents basement, in Richfield, MN, they saved up and built a home next door on Penn Ave. They lived there for many years raising their family.

Shirley and Fred were the proud parents of 5 children: Richard Williams, Steven Williams, Kathie Sable, Jeanne Mohlis (David) and Geo Brening (Wendy); 12 grandchildren: Steven Williams (Erika), Bobbi Knox (Brett), Stacy Williams, Jeremy Brening, Brian Westergard (Kelly), Matthew Williams, Jeff Westergard (Amy), Tony Brening, Sarah Marquis, Kellie Thompson (Brian), Sam Brening (Jaime) and David Mohlis jr. (Katie); 19 great grandchildren; and even 2 great great grandchildren. She loved her family more than words could describe and her impact to the lives of her family was and is deeply felt. So many lessons learned, laughs had and support given.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Fred, sons – Richard, Steven and Geo, Parents – Charles and Gladys and brother Ben.

A gathering in remembrance of Shirley will be held on Sunday, April 24th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at the Edina, MN Cremation Society. Please bring any stories you would like to share about Shirley to the gathering.